Zhangjiakou

Introduction

Located in northwestern Hebei province in Northern China, Zhangjiakou—also known as Kalgan—sits at a geographic crossroads bordering Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and Shanxi. You can explore a vast region divided into various counties and districts, including the conurbated built-up areas of Qiaoxi, Qiaodong, Chongli, Xuanhua, and Xiahuayuan.

Before you go

Prepare to explore a region defined by its historical role as a vital military and trading center along the Great Wall. Known as "The Northern Gate of the Capital," Zhangjiakou serves as a significant gateway between northern China and Inner Mongolia, offering you a blend of cultural heritage and natural mountain beauty.

You can experience the area's modern legacy as an international host city for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The Chongli District stands out as a primary location where many skiing and snowboarding events took place during the games.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Ningyuan Airport, which provides domestic flights to destinations such as Shijiazhuang, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Xiamen. If you prefer to travel by road, the city is connected to Beijing, Shanxi, and the rest of Hebei through the Xuanda and Jingzhang expressways, while National Highway 207 links the area to Inner Mongolia.

Train travel offers several options for your journey:

• High-speed rail connects Beijing North Station directly to Zhangjiakou, significantly reducing travel time from the capital.
• Regular-speed trains also run from Beijing Main Railway station via the Beijing-Baotou conventional railway.
• The main central railway station in the Qiaodong District serves both high-speed and regular-speed trains.
• For those heading toward the ski resorts and the Olympic Village, Taizicheng Railway Station provides convenient access to the area.

Getting around

You can navigate the expansive urban area of Zhangjiakou primarily by using taxis or local buses. For those who prefer mobile technology, ride-hailing apps are also available to help you reach destinations throughout the city center and the Chongli District.

If your plans include visiting the Chongli Ski Area, you can board a long-distance bus or a dedicated ski resort shuttle from Zhangjiakou Station or Zhangjiakou South Station to reach resorts such as Yunding, Taiwu, and Wanlong. When choosing between self-driving and public transport, consider the season: while summer offers ideal conditions for driving tours along the "Grassland Sky Road," you should allow extra time during the winter months when mountain roads are prone to freezing.

Where to stay

Since there is no specific information provided regarding accommodation options or neighborhoods for your stay, you may need to research local lodging independently.

Food & drink

Savor the robust flavors of northern Hebei's mountain cuisine while exploring the local food scene. You can try roast lamb, a signature regional dish seasoned with cumin and chili, or warm up with a hearty pot-stewed lamb soup made with ginger and spices.

Experience a local specialty in Zhangjiakou with Youmian Wowo. These pieces of dough are crafted from oat flour, hand-rolled into small cone shapes, and steamed until they reach a soft, chewy texture with a light nutty flavor. You can enjoy this dish served with minced meat, pickled vegetables, or a dipping sauce.

What to see and do

Explore the historical significance of Zhangjiakou by visiting Dajing Gate, a section of the Great Wall known for its dangerous terrain and unique geographical location. This site reflects the area's history as a military stronghold and a hub for trade between Han and Mongolian people. You can also explore local heritage at the Zhangjiakou Museum, which features a courtyard monument dedicated to Chinese and allied soldiers from World War II, or visit the Xuanhua Museum in the Xuanhua District.

Experience the winter landscape in the Chongli District by visiting various ski resorts. These include Cuiyunshan International Resort, Wanlong Paradise Resort, and Genting Resort Secret Garden, which features the Genting Snow Park venue used during the Beijing Winter Olympics.

When to go

You can experience a variety of climates in Zhangjiakou depending on your choice of timing. The transition seasons of spring and autumn offer brief, dry periods that move between the extremes of the year. Spring provides a dry passage from the winter cold toward summer heat, while autumn offers a short, dry season with cooling temperatures and less moisture.

During the summer months, you will encounter hot and humid conditions brought by the East Asian monsoon. In contrast, the winter season is characterized by long, cold, dry, and windy conditions driven by the Siberian anticyclone, requiring you to prepare for persistent wind and cold with heavy clothing.

Day one, you can explore the local surroundings of Zhangjiakou and experience the atmosphere of the region. You might travel through the area to see the landscape near the Northern Gate.

Day two, your journey takes you toward the Great Wall. You can take in the sights of the Chongli District as you move through the scenic terrain.

Day three, you can conclude your trip by exploring more of the local area or preparing for your next destination beyond the region.